2012 ram 1500 Reviews and News

2012 Ram 1500

By
Automobile Magazine
- 12/06/2011

Although it's now three years since the Ram 1500's last redesign, the big pickup has kept current thanks to continual updates. Take the truck's automatic transmission, for instance. Mechanically speaking, the five-speed automatic previously used in the Ram really featured six forward gears (second gear actually consisted of two gears--one accessed during upshifting, and another used during downshifts). The "new" six-speed transmission is virtually identical to the five-speed, but it has been recalibrated so that both of those "second gears" are now individual gears. A revised torque converter is also bundled with the transmission, which allegedly improves fuel economy. The Ram's segment-exclusive coil-spring, multilink rear suspension helps it stand out, as do other practical innovations, such as the lockable RamBox storage bins in the fenders. Like most pickups, the Ram is available in numerous configurations, with three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines, and numerous trim levels. Electronic and infotainment choices include a media center with a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a navigation system, a surround-sound audio system, and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The Ram 1500 is far from a show truck, though. Its available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for some serious hauling.

Chrysler has a long history of offering creative special-edition packages across all of its brands. Many are inspired by the company's decades-long heritage and history of desirable models. But lately, the company has reached out to other companies and brands for the creation of special editions, including fashion designer John Varvatos for a special-edition Chrysler 300, as well as the Detroit Red Wings hockey team for a special-edition Ram 1500.

Chrysler's plug-in hybrid-electric minivan project is taking another baby step toward production by entering its second phase. Three PHEV Chrysler Town & Country vans have been delivered to the Sacramento Municipal Utitly District, where they will hit the open road and help with the data collection process.

Ram is ready to make fuel economy the new trailer tow rating. The 2013 Ram 1500 is promising best-in-class fuel economy thanks to the Pentastar V-6 and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Don’t worry, there’s still a Hemi V-8 that’ll tow as much as it did last year and that engine can now be paired with an eight-speed automatic.

Though Mopar’s official concepts may have stolen the show at this year’s Jeep Easter Safari in Moab, Utah, three notable entries from Venchurs Vehicle Systems also ignited off-road enthusiasts’ passion. When you bring a bulletproof Ram 1500 that breathes fire and a machine gun-packing Jeep pickup out to Moab, it’s easy to see why.
Caballo Diablo
For this radical concept, Venchurs covered the cabin of a 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Short Bed with a lightweight “Dragon Skin” ballistic armor capable of resisting AK-47 ammunition. The custom truck also gets a KORE off-road suspension, heavy-duty axle package, tactical front bumper meant to increase its approach angle, and optional Night Vision System-compatible cockpit. But the pièce de résistance of the Caballo Diablo is its flame-throwing “Dragon’s Mouth” defense system, which projects a wall of fire around the truck. The Caballo Diablo comes standard with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine producing 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque, though an optional 8.4-liter V-10 from a Viper offers 710 hp and 664 lb-ft. Sadly, the flame thrower option will not be available in the U.S.
Recon JK8
A follow-up to the Red Jacket Firearms JK8 that debuted at last year’s SEMA Show, the Recon JK8 is a four-door Wrangler that’s been converted into a tactical, Hemi-powered pickup. A military-style rear bumper, GenRight metal fenders, rock rails, and a PIAA 520 All-Terrain Pattern lantern set off the Recon JK8’s rugged look. Lending it more ruggedness is the 7/16 bed armor plate, which also serves as a perch for a gunner, full bed cage for overhead protection, and mounts for M2 “Ma Deuce” and M240 machine guns. The custom Jeep, along with its 390-hp, 407-lb-ft 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, will soon be offered to the public.
CNG-Powered F-250
Venchurs’ only non-Mopar in attendance showcased the company’s compressed natural gas conversion. The F-250 brought out to Moab featured a Bi-Fuel CNG system with “on-the-fly” fuel switching capability, a two-inch lift, Bilstein shocks, 35inch BFGoodrich off-road tires, and skid plates. Venchurs says the Bi-Fuel system offers a total range of up to 650 miles, and that the conversion doesn’t affect the original warranty.
While we still think Jeep’s J-12 pickup concept earned best in show at Moab, that “Dragon’s Mouth” feature is awfully cool. Jeep, we hope you’re reading this.
Source: Venchurs Vehicle Systems

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:20

Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 RAM 1500 TRUCKS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 2012 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A SPARE TIRE THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, ¿TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.¿

Consequences

IF INSTALLED, THE INCORRECTLY SIZED SPARE TIRE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM, ALTERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESC SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES AS NECCESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Potential Units Affected

129

Notes

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Summary

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Consequences

If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Potential Units Affected

278,229

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Consequences

This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.